Cardinal Roger Mahony will preside at a Divine Mercy Mass sponsored by the Knights of Columbus on March 28 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

This year, as a way of honoring Pope John Paul II during the 25th anniversary of his pontificate, the Hour of Prayer program of the Knights of Columbus has taken Divine Mercy as its theme, since that devotion is so close to the heart of the Holy Father, said Msgr. Kevin Kostelnik, Cathedral pastor.

A rare oil painting, blessed by Pope John Paul II of the Divine Mercy image will be on display. The painting is on loan from the Knights of Columbus from the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow, Poland and is traveling to cathedrals in several archdioceses throughout the United States during 2004.

The image of Divine Mercy is a portrait of Jesus' appearance to St. Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938) of Poland in 1931. Pope John Paul II canonized St. Faustina April 30, 2000 and announced that the second Sunday after Easter will be called Divine Mercy Sunday. Through this devotion, Catholics acknowledge God's mercy and love.

The painting will be carried into the sanctuary of the Cathedral during the procession prior to the Divine Mercy Mass. It will be on display for two days of prayer.

All are welcome to attend the celebration. For information, call (213) 680-5200.